Hose Restraint Apparatus

ABSTRACT

A restraint apparatus configured to selectively attach a flexible hose at an outlet structure of a manifold of an air conveyance system is provided. The restraint apparatus includes a restraint member having a flat, planar shape. The restraint member includes a first opening located at a first end and a second opening located at a second end opposite the first end. The first and second ends of the restraint member are configured to be biased toward each other such that the first opening is operable to receive the outlet port therethrough and the second opening is operable to receive the hose therethrough. Upon release of the first and second ends of the restraint member, the first and second ends are operable to exert a bias force against the outlet structure and the hose, respectively, in a manner that resists removal of the hose from the outlet structure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is a Divisional of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/049,492, filed on Feb. 2, 2005 entitled, “HoseRestraint Apparatus” and having Trevor L. Kowalchuk as the Applicant.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hose restraint apparatus and, morespecifically, relates to an apparatus configured to restrain a hose atan outlet structure of a low-pressure conveyance system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Seed and fertilizer products are distributed from a hopper of an airseeder to a delivery tool via a pneumatic conveyor tube. A certain knownconveyor tube connects with a flow dividing header. The dividing headerincludes a manifold having a series of outlet ports configured to directthe air-entrained product into a number of conduits, each connected to adelivery tool (e.g., a seed boot, etc.).

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,770 entitled “Conveyor tube andDistributor Header for Air Conveyor”, filed Feb. 4, 1999, herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety, discloses a conveyortube in combination with a distribution header for air conveyors such asair seeders. The distribution header includes angularly spaced apart andradially-outward extending outlet ports configured to direct dividedportions of an incoming flow of air-entrained material. A hose clampdevice connects each of these outlet ports to a flexible hose that leadsto a respective delivery tool.

However, the air distribution system described above has severaldrawbacks. For example, the known hose clamp device is configured tosqueeze an exterior of the outlet port. This causes the interior of theoutlet port to squeeze against the exterior of the flexible hose. Also,miscellaneous forces associated with operation of the air distributionsystem in the field (e.g., vibration) are known to cause the hose clampsto slip off the outlet port, as well as cause the flexible hoses to slipout of the outlet port, during operation. To accommodate thesemiscellaneous forces, extensions are provided at the exterior of theoutlet ports to restrain the hose clamp from slipping off of the outletport. However, the extensions are not operable to restrain a position ofthe flexible hose in the outlet port until the hose clamp issufficiently tightened, which is cumbersome for an operator.

Therefore, there is a need or desire for a hose restraint device toconfigured to enhance restraint of the flexible hose at the outlet portof the distribution header of a pneumatic distribution system. Therestraint device should also be configured to be compatible with knownconstructions of distribution headers associated with pneumaticdistribution systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system for and a method of restraininga flexible hose at an outlet port of a distribution header of apneumatic distribution system that meets the desires and needs describedabove. The restraint device of the present invention thus enhances theready attachment and detachment of the flexible hose to the outlet portof the distributor header.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, a restraint apparatusconfigured to restrain movement of an end of a hose inserted into anoutlet port of an outlet structure is provided. The restraint apparatusincludes a restraint member having a flat, planar shape. The restraintmember further includes a first end and a second end opposite the firstend. A first opening is located at the first end of and extendingthrough the restraint member, and a second opening is located at thesecond end of and extending through the restraint member. The first andsecond ends of the restraint member are configured to be biased towardeach other such that the first opening is operable to receive the outletport therethrough and the second opening is operable to receive the hosetherethrough. Upon release of the first and second ends of the restraintmember, the first and second ends are operable to exert a bias forceagainst the outlet structure and the hose, respectively, in a manner soas to resist removal of the hose from the outlet structure. Upon removalof the outlet structure and the hose from holes in the restraint member,the restraint member is operable to substantially return back to itsoriginal flat, planar shape.

The preferred restraint member includes a width between the first andsecond openings that is less than a width at the first or second end ofthe restraint member. In one embodiment, the width of the restraintmember increases in a tapered manner from a central axis of symmetrytowards each of the first and second ends of the restraint member. Thefirst and/or second openings of the restraint member can generally beelliptical-shaped, egg-shaped, circular-shaped, rectangular-shaped, etc.The preferred restraint member includes a stainless steel composition,yet the type of composition (e.g., plastic, etc.) can vary.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an airdistribution system that includes a manifold having an inlet incommunication with a plurality of outlet ports each extending through anoutlet structure, at least one flexible hose configured to be insertedinto one of the plurality of outlet ports of the manifold; and a hoserestraint member having a first opening located at a first end and asecond opening located at second end. The first and second ends of therestraint member are configured to be biased toward each other such thatthe first opening is operable to receive the outlet structuretherethrough and the second opening is operable to receive the hosetherethrough. Upon release of the first and second ends of the restraintmember, the first end of restraint member is configured to bias againstthe outlet structure and second end of the restraint member isconfigured to bias against the hose in a manner operable to resistremoval of the at least one flexible hose from the outlet structure.

The present invention also provides a method of restraining a hose at anoutlet structure of a low-pressure air distribution system. The methodincludes the steps of providing a restraint member having an originalshape that is generally flat, the restraint apparatus comprising amaterial composition characterized with a shape memory such that theretainer element reverts substantially back to the original shape fromrelease in a distorted position; receiving the outlet structure througha first opening of the retainer element; distorting the restraintapparatus in a generally U-shaped configuration; and receiving an end ofa hose through a second opening of the retainer element, the secondopening located opposite the first opening of the retainer element;inserting hose into the outlet structure; and releasing the restraintapparatus from the biased U-shaped configuration such that the restraintapparatus applies a bias force operable to restrain the flexible hosethe outlet structure.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however,that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent likeparts throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an agricultural implementemploying a forced air conveyance system that includes flexible hoseconnected at a distribution head via a restraint apparatus in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed perspective view of the restraint apparatus ofthe present invention attaching the flexible hose to the distributionhead shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a bottom plan of the restraint apparatus attached at anoutlet structure of the distribution head along line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-section view of the restraintapparatus attached at the outlet structure of the forced airdistribution head along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed top plan view of a first embodiment of arestraint apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a detailed top plan view of a second embodiment of arestraint apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed top plan view of a third embodiment of arestraint apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a fastener apparatus 20in accordance with the present invention is shown employed on a forcedair conveyance system 25 carried on an agricultural implement 30operable to be towed by a tow vehicle (not shown) in a forward directionof travel (illustrated by arrow 35). The fastener apparatus 20 ispositioned to restrain a flexible hose 40 attached at a distributionhead or manifold 45 of the forced air conveyance system 25 mounted onthe implement 30. The illustrated forced air conveyance system 25 isemployed to convey granular material or product (e.g., seed, fertilizer,etc.) to a delivery tool 50 for distribution of the granulator materialacross a field, in a manner known in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the illustrated forced air conveyance system25 includes an upright conveyance tube 55 with an upper end mounted bythe distribution head 45. The lower end or inlet of the conveyor tube 55is configured to receive an air entrained granular material such as seedand/or fertilizer by way of a blower and metering devices (both notshown) mounted on an air cart (not shown) in a manner well known in theart. As this air entrained granular material passes upwardly through theconveyor tube 55, the conveyor tube 55 includes inwardly directed andspaced apart projections (not shown) disposed to impart a controlleddegree of turbulence in the upwardly moving flow of air-entrainedgranular material as it passes into the distribution head 45.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, the preferred distribution head 45 ofthe forced air conveyance system 25 comprises a top section 60 and abottom section 65. Each of the top and bottom sections 60 and 65 ispreferably molded from a polyurethane glass filled plastics material,which resists wear due to abrasion resulting from the materials beinghandled and which at the same time provides for economy in themanufacturing processes. The top and bottom sections 60 and 65 of thedistribution head 45 connect together to define a series ofradially-outward projecting outlet structures 70, each including anoutlet port 75 extending therethrough.

The distribution head 45 is designed to swing the flow of theair-entrained granular material from a vertical direction around into ahorizontal direction in a manner that divides the flow substantiallyequally amongst the series of outlet ports 75. Each of the series ofoutlet structures 70 and respective ports 75 extends radially outwardfrom, and in an equally angular-spaced relationship to each other,around a vertical central axis of symmetry 80 of the distribution head45. The ports 75 all lie in a common plane normal to the central axis80. The top and bottom sections 60 and 65 of the distribution head 45are typically chemically bonded (e.g., glued) together.

A hose clamp 90 in combination with a rib member 92 can be employed toaugment connection of the flexible hose 40 in the outlet port 75 of theoutlet structure 70. The hose clamp 90 is operable to squeeze or pressthe rib member 92, located along a circumference of each outlet port 75,into an exterior of the flexible hose 40. The hose clamp 90 alsoaugments connection of, and thereby reducing opportunities for leaks at,the outer radial top and bottom sections 60 and 65 of the distributionhead 45 at each outlet structure 75. Each outlet structure 75 includesextensions 94 and 95 located at diametrically opposite of one another.The extensions 94 and 95 are generally configured to retain the hoseclamp 90 from slipping off the outlet structure 75. Unfortunately inharsh environmental conditions, the hose claim 92 may not be enough torestrain the hose 40 in the port 75.

Still referring to FIG. 2, while the distribution head 45 is shown toinclude seven outlet structures 70, it should of course be realized thatthe number of outlet structures 70 and respective ports 75 extendingtherethrough can vary. Commonly employed embodiments of the distributionhead 45 employ anywhere from seven to twelve equally spaced outletstructures 70 which are sized to insure that the outward flow velocityof the flow of air-entrained granular material through each respectiveoutlet port 75 is sufficient so as to ensure continued entrainment ofthe materials being conveyed, thus reducing opportunities for cloggingproblems.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, each outlet port 75 is operable to communicatethe flow of air-entrained granular material to a respective flexiblehose 40 secured at the outlet structure 70 by the restraint apparatus 20of the invention. Each of the flexible hoses 40 leads to the respectivedelivery tool 50 (see FIG. 1). Outlet structures 70 that are notattached by a flexible hose 40 can be manually plugged in a known mannerto prevent the escape of granular material.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the preferred flexible hose 40 isconfigured to be inserted into the outlet port 75 defined by each of theoutlet structures 70. The flexible hose 40 communicates the flow ofair-entrained granular material to the delivery tool 50 (see FIG. 1) fordistribution across the field. The flexible hose 40 can vary in materialcomposition and size and is not limiting on the invention. Typically,the preferred flexible hose 40 can withstand a maximum of 354 psi, eventhough the hose 40 will experience a maximum pressure of 2 psi, and anaverage pressure of 0.5 psi, from the forced air conveyance system 25.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the restraint apparatus 20 of the presentinvention is configured to hold and restrain the flexible hose 40 inattachment at the outlet structure 70 of the distribution head 45.Referring to FIG. 5, the preferred restraint apparatus 20 includes agenerally flat, plate-shaped restraint member 100 elongated in length inan original, unbiased state. The desired composition of the restraintmember 100 is stainless steel, but the type of composition (e.g., steel,brass, plastic, etc.) can vary so long as the material is operable toprovide an adequate bias force at the outlet structure 70 and at theflexible hose 40 (See FIG. 3).

Referring specifically to FIG. 5, the restraint member 100 includes afirst opening 105 at a first end 110 and a second opening 115 at asecond end 120 opposite the first end 110 of the restraint member 100.Each opening 105 and 115 is generally egg-shaped. Although theillustrated first and second openings 105 and 115 of the restraintapparatus 20 are egg-shaped, it is understood that the shape (e.g.,egg-shaped, elliptical, circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, etc.)of the openings 105 and 115 can vary. For example, FIG. 6 illustratesanother embodiment of a restraint apparatus 120 that includes a firstand a second opening 125 and 130 each having a circular-shape. Inanother example, FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a restraintapparatus 140 that includes a first opening 145 and a second opening 150having different shapes. The first opening 145 is elliptical-shaped andthe second opening 150 is rectangular-shaped.

Still referring to FIG. 5, one or both of the first and second openings105 and 110 can further each include a pair of cutout portions 155 and160 located radially opposite one another. Each cutout portion 155 and160 is of a shape and size to receive extensions 94 and 95 therethroughonly when the end 110 or 120 and respective cutout portions 155 and 160are generally aligned but limited to a ninety-degree angle relative to acentral axis 165 of the outlet port 75 and respective extensions 94 and95 (see FIG. 3).

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the restraint apparatus 20 is preferablysymmetrical about a central axis 170 between the first and secondopenings 105 and 115. The bias force exerted by the restraint apparatus20 against the flexible hose 40 and/or the outlet structure 70 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3) can be adjusted by varying a width 175 of the restraintapparatus 20. In FIG. 6, the restraint apparatus 120 includes a width180 that increases from a central axis 185 in a direction toward one orboth of first and second openings 125 and 130 so as to define a linearedge 190 and a somewhat hourglass shape. In FIG. 7, the restraintapparatus 140 includes a width 195 that increases from a centerline axis200 toward the openings 202 and 204 so as to define a curvilinear shapededge 205.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, varying the width 175, 180 and 195 allows theoperator to select a predetermined bias force to be applied by therestraint apparatus 20, 120, 140 at the flexible hose 40 and/or outletstructure 70 (see FIG. 2). The bias force applied at the hose 40 and theoutlet structure 70 is selectively provided in accordance with thevarying width 175 so as to provide the desired bias force to prevent thehose 40 from slipping or working its way out of the outlet port 75 ofthe outlet structure 70 of the distribution header 45. Too aggressive ofa bias force can cause the ends 110 and 120 of the restraint apparatus20 to slowly cut through and/or pinch the flexible hose 40.

In operation, the top and bottom sections 60 and 65 of the distributionhead 45 are mated together and chemically bonded or glued in a knownmanner. The restraint apparatus 20 is aligned at a right angle toreceive the outlet structure 70 and respective extensions 94 and 95through the first opening 105 and the respective cutout portions 155 and160. The restraint apparatus 20 is also configured to accommodate addingthe hose clamp 90 at the outlet structure 70 so as to augment connectionof the flexible hose 40 thereto, as well as to augment connection of thetop and bottom sections 60 and 65 of the distribution head 45 together.

The first and second ends 110 and 120 of the restraint apparatus 20 arethen biased toward one another. The free end of the flexible hose 40 isthen inserted through the second opening 115 in the restraint apparatus20 and into the outlet port 75 defined by the outlet structure 70. Uponinsertion of the flexible hose 40 into the outlet port 75 of the outletstructure 70, the operator releases the ends 110 and 120 of therestraint apparatus 20. Upon release, the restraint apparatus 20naturally wants to return to its original flat, planar-shape. The springcharacteristic of the restraint apparatus 20, the material propertyassociated with biasing the restraint apparatus 20 to return to itsoriginal flat-shape, causes the first end 100 of the restraint apparatus20 to apply a bias force at the outlet structure 75 and causes thesecond end 110 of the restraint apparatus 20 to apply another bias forceagainst the flexible hose 40. Yet, the flexible hose 40 inserted throughthe first opening 105 and the outlet structure 70 inserted through thesecond opening 115 prevent the restraint apparatus 20 from completelyflattening out. Rather, the ends 110 and 120 of the restraint apparatus20 are positioned or disposed at an angle (β) less than ninety-degreeswith respect to the central axis 165 of the outlet structure 70 and theflexible hose 40 attached thereto.

At the less than the ninety-degree alignment angle (β) of the first end100 and respective cutout portions 155 and 160 with respect to thecentral axis 165 of the outlet structure 70, the first end 100 of therestraint apparatus 20 engages against the extensions 94 and 95 at theexterior circumference of the outlet structure 70 so as to exert anadditional force against removal or slippage of the flexible hose 40and/or restraint apparatus 20 from the outlet port 75 of the outletstructure 70. The width 175 of the restraint apparatus 20 ispredetermined or adjusted in the field to provide the desired bias forceof the restraint apparatus 20 against the outlet structure 70 and/orflexible hose 40.

When desired, an operator can squeeze the ends 110 and 120 of therestraint apparatus 20 together once again in a manner to allow releaseof the flexible hose 40 from the outlet structure 70 of the distributionhead 45.

Although the restraint apparatus 20 of the present invention is shownattached between the flexible hose 40 and the outlet structure 70 of thedistribution head 45, the invention is not so limited. As shown in FIG.1, a restraint apparatus 200, similar in construction to the restraintapparatuses 20, 120 or 140 described above, can be employed to secureattachment of the opposite end of the flexible hose 40 at an inletstructure 210 of the delivery tool 50.

Many changes and modifications could be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. The scope of these changes willbecome apparent from the appended claims.

1. An apparatus configured to restrain movement of an end of a hoseinserted into an outlet port of an outlet structure, comprising: anelongated restraint member having a first end and a second end oppositethe first end, the restraint member having a flat, planar shape; a firstopening located at the first end of and extending through the restraintmember; and a second opening located at the second end of and extendingthrough the restraint member, wherein the ends of the restraint memberare configured to be biased toward each other such that the firstopening is operable to receive the outlet port therethrough and thesecond opening is operable to receive the hose therethrough, whereinupon release of the ends of the restrain member, the first and secondends are operable to exert a bias force against the outlet structure andthe hose, respectively, in a manner so as to resist a longitudinal forcedirected to remove the hose from the outlet structure, and wherein uponremoval of the outlet structure and the hose from the restraint member,the restraint member is operable to substantially return back to theflat, planar shape.
 2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein awidth along a portion of the restraint member between the first andsecond openings is less than a width at the first or second end of therestraint member.
 3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein awidth of the restraint member increases in a tapered manner from acentral line of symmetry towards each of the first and second ends. 4.The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the first opening isgenerally elliptical-shaped.
 5. The apparatus as recited in claim 2,wherein the first opening is generally circular-shaped.
 6. The apparatusas recited in claim 1, wherein the restraint member includes a stainlesssteel composition.